"With the city’s employment base expanding, high-quality rental homes are vital for ensuring young professionals can live, work and build their futures here."
- Adam Burney - L&G
Developer Watkin Jones has announced that phase 1 of the 718-unit build-to-rent (BtR) scheme, based in Tai Afon in Central Quay, Cardiff and forward funded by L&G, has reached practical completion.
The development comprises 718 units, 402 in phase 1 and 316 in phase 2, including a range of studios, as well as one, two and three-bedroom homes.
Upon completion of the overall development later in the year, amenities will include a games room, a work from home space, a private dining room, podcast studios, a cinema, yoga and spin studios and a gym, plus roof terraces.
The scheme also includes a public square overlooking the River Taff and a series of 650m2 filtered water gardens complemented by over 19,500 sq. ft. of ground floor space.
The £200 million investment in the Central Quay development forms part of the broader £1 billion regeneration initiative underway in Cardiff and aims to contribute to meeting the city’s increasing demand for rental accommodation.
Tai Afon is located just a short walk from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Central station, and the city centre, with strong transport links to the southwest of England and rail connections to London.
The project also supports the ESG priorities shared by both Watkin Jones and L&G and will feature roof-mounted solar panels, as well as energy-efficient air-source heat pumps to provide electricity and hot water.
Gwyn Pritchard, managing director, Watkin Jones, said: "We are delighted to announce the practical completion of plot 1 (402 apartments) at Tai Afon, Central Quay in Cardiff, marking a major delivery milestone for this transformative regeneration scheme," Gwyn Pritchard, managing director, Watkin Jones, said.
"With delivery in line with our planned schedule of the summer of 2026, this achievement demonstrates the strength of our project team, the depth of our expertise, and our commitment to delivering high-quality homes at scale and at pace.
"Central Quay is a significant development project in Cardiff, and with its prime location, sustainable design credentials and excellent connectivity, offers compelling long-term value for L&G and its residents.
"As we progress toward completion of plot 2, we remain focused on delivering a vibrant, high-quality destination that supports the city’s growth and provides attractive, sustainable homes for future residents."
Adam Burney, head of multi family BTR and PBSA, asset management, L&G, added: "The completion of plot 1 at Tai Afon marks an important step in our long-term regeneration activity in Cardiff. With the city’s employment base expanding, high-quality rental homes are vital for ensuring young professionals can live, work and build their futures here.
"With national housing supply still falling short of demand, sustained investment in new homes is essential, and this scheme will contribute to a vibrant, revitalised community to support Cardiff’s continued economic growth and job creation."
